Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has said he “misses being on the pitch” after spending the last three months on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old was in imperious form for the Bundesliga table-toppers before an abductor injury abruptly brought his season to a halt in January.
With Boniface returning to individual training and expected to make a full recovery in April, the striker has revealed that he is eager to step back onto the pitch and pick up where he left off.
“The team did very well without me. When I came to Leverkusen, I said that I didn't look at rankings or individual ratings,” he told Sport Bild.
“Of course goals and assists are important, but what's most important to me is being able to help the team with my style of play and just having fun. I really miss being on the pitch with my teammates and hope to be back soon.”
Missing AFCON left Victor Boniface ‘devastated'
Boniface’s injury happened while he was in camp with the Nigeria national team preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in the Ivory Coast.
This saw him miss the tournament, which the Super Eagles eventually finished as runners-up in after losing to the hosts in the final. Boniface has now admitted that missing the AFCON came as a crushing blow to him after his hopes of representing his country were dashed.
According to the former Union SG forward, it was the second major international tournament he missed through an injury, having also been ruled out of the U20 African Championships a few years ago.
“I had missed the second major tournament of my career. Once I couldn't go to the U20 African Championships because of a torn cruciate ligament,” he said.
“Now it was even worse. Every player has the dream of representing their country on a big stage. I was in shape, everyone was excited to see me. My family, everyone in the country. I was really devastated.”
Victor Boniface reveals Alonso’s support after injury
Meanwhile, Boniface also opened up on the support he received from Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso following his abductor injury.
The Nigeria international said he received a message from the Spaniard while he was in the Super Eagles camp in Dubai, with the manager comforting and encouraging him to remain strong.
“I was in Dubai with the Nigerian national team to prepare. After the injury, I got a message from him [Alonso]. He wrote: ‘How are you?' I replied: ‘I don't know exactly. I have to come back.' The trainer was there when I was examined and the doctor told me that I needed surgery,” Boniface said.
“He said, ‘I know it's hard for you, but keep your head up. We are all here for you.' It was extraordinary how the coach took care of me. For me personally, the news from the doctor was still a bitter disappointment.
“I couldn't help the national team and at the same time I couldn't help my club, which would have needed me too. But the coach said, ‘You don't have to worry about that. You are strong enough and you will come back. And as a team we will make it good for you too.'”
Boniface’s imminent return comes as a huge boost to Leverkusen, who are currently in contention for the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and the UEFA Europa League. The Nigerian remains the club’s top scorer, having scored 16 goals before his injury. Alonso’s side hasn’t tasted defeat since the start of the season despite playing 38 matches in all competitions and will be aiming to finish the season on a high with Boniface back in the team.
